Danny Weakens To Cat 2, Tropical Storm Watches May Be Issued Today, Marinas Urged To Be Vigilant

Hurricane Danny has been downgraded to a Category 2 hurricane and more weakening is expected over the next few days as the weather system encounters more conditions that are unfavorable for development, according to a press release VITEMA issued early this morning.

At 11 p.m., the center of Hurricane Danny was located near latitude 14.8 degrees north, longitude 49.8 degrees west.  Danny is moving toward the west-northwest near 10 miles per hour.  An increase in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days, with a turn toward the west forecast Saturday night.

Maximum sustained winds have decreased to near 110 miles per hour with higher gusts.  Additional weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Danny is expected to become a tropical storm on Sunday as it approaches the Leeward Islands.

Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 15 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 60 miles.

The National Hurricane Center is advising the Leeward Islands and the Virgin Islands to closely monitor the progress of Danny.  Tropical storm watches may be required for portions of the Leeward Islands and the Virgin Islands today. Danny is forecasted to make its closest approach to the Virgin Islands late Monday night into early Tuesday as a tropical storm with top winds of 50 to 55 miles per hour.

There are no coastal watches or warnings currently in effect. 

Rainfall Forecast

According to Jesus Figueroa, General Forecaster at the National Weather Service – Weather Forecast Office – San Juan, there is still too much uncertainty to have a confident rainfall forecast.

“But most models continue to indicate a significant increase in tropical moisture. There is a high potential for significant rainfall over the region,” Figueroa stated.

VITEMA has joined the National Weather Service in advising the marine community to remain vigilant to the evolution of Tropical Cyclone Danny. Marine conditions may rapidly deteriorate as Danny makes it approach to the Virgin Islands.

VITEMA Director Mona Barnes is urging the public to make final preparations for the arrival of storm weather conditions and to stay informed and vigilant.